Sensitive skin and self-tanning – it’s not impossible

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For people with skin sensitivities and allergies, fake tanning can often be a bit of a no-go zone as the DHA (the chemical compound that changes the colour of your skin) may kick start a skin reaction.

Luckily, self-tanning brands are now releasing fake tanners with naturally-derived DHA, which means there’s less chance of flaring up your allergies. Yay for you!

So if you’ve been one of those beauties who has had to keep far away from the faux glow, get set to start tanning, because your bronzing life is about to change. Ready?

Here are some of our favourite naturally-derived fake-tanners that’ll get you sorted this summer season:

St Tropez Naturals Self Tan Milk – this self-tanning wonder is chock-full of natural ingredients – from vegatan, an eco-cert-approved and 100 percent naturally-derived tanning agent, to blackcurrant and babassu oils, your skin will look as good as it feels. Plus, no fake tan smell!

Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer – the naturally-derived self-tanning agent in this self-tanner is combined with apricot extract to give your skin a natural, glowing tan. And even better? The aerosol works at any angle, making those hard-to-reach places a bit easier to spray.

Tip for those with eczema or dermatitis: If you have an event coming up and you’re looking to apply a fake tan, make sure you treat your skin for two weeks before applying the tan. We love: DermaVeen Eczema Lotion, and Nourish Naturals Eczema & Psoriasis Cream.

Member Comments
(40)

I'm lucky I don't have sensitive skin, my BFF does and see has alot of problems with self tanning. :((

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 5:05pm)

Posted by:
Yummii
(Australia)

I love the Garnier tanner - bonus for the nice smell

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 5:09pm)

Posted by:
Gofton
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I have sensitive and fair skin and I have the Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer on right now and I love it. It is so easy to use and I have built the colour up after a day or so to make it really even. I love being tanned, I look so healthy for summer and without the sun.

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 5:12pm)

Posted by:
beautyqueen95♥
(Australia)

I have the garnier in my cupboard, but have been scared to use it in case it made me orangey... Might try it on my tummy first.... So it can hide for a few days til it wears off, then go for legs...

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 5:22pm)

Posted by:
Noosim
(Australia)

Finally, a soultion!!! Thank you BH!!

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 6:16pm)

Posted by:
Glam fairy
(Australia)

This is a great article but thankfully I don't have overly sensitive skin. but it is great too know there are solutions for people who do.

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 6:38pm)

Posted by:
Melanie Ung
(Australia)

I realllly wanna try St Tropez products but they're so expensive!

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 7:09pm)

Posted by:
Rei_
(Australia)

I dont use a self tanner that often but natural ingredients are extremely important to me as i don't want to put nasty synthetic stuff on my face - i've found that it only aggravatesmy skin.

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 7:12pm)

Posted by:
diabla
(Australia)

luckily i dont have sensitive skin... i use ella bache tan

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 7:22pm)

Posted by:
MissChriss
(Australia)

I like natural ingredients where possible, but a tanner would have to be pretty damn good to stop me from using my ella bach one!!

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 8:15pm)

Posted by:
Emble7
(Australia)

Im so glad that my skin is not very sensitive with those sort of things but I think its great that companies are making it possible for those with allergies to have a chance :) I actually don't use any type of tan at the moment (probably should though!) but St tropez would be my first choice I think if I did - it sounds like one of the best brands for self tanning :)

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 8:25pm)

Posted by:
Ellelily
(Australia)

I havent ever had a fake tan i have thought about it but havent gone and had one but i think this year i might just try it as i have a wedding coming up so i think for my first fake tan i will go to a salon....As i am very wary of doing it myself as i have never done one as i am afraid of all the bad tans i have seen and knowing me im sure that i would get it wrong .......and i dont have anyone around during the day time who could do the back part....Has anyone got tips on how to do the back part of your bodies????

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 8:53pm)

Posted by:
Ellelily
(Australia)

Now that teaches me from not reading things properly i just read the top five tips oops i should have read it first silly me oh well at least im not scared of saying im wrong lol

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 8:55pm)

Posted by:
Tea91
(Australia)

That St Tropez naturals really has me intrigued!

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 9:29pm)

Posted by:
softness
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I'm a bit naughty - I haven't even read any of the ingredients in my fake tanners! I'm not sure if they are natural or not. Now I'm on a mission to check which ones are more natural.........

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 9:44pm)

Posted by:
ModernSnowWhite
(Australia)

Part of the reason i hardly use fake tans (if I do its just a gradual), its because i have sensitive skin. These suggestions look really good :)

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 10:33pm)

Posted by:
iluvfacialz
(Member since 2007, Australia)

I haven't used a fake tan in about 20 years, although just recently with all the newer ones coming out, I've been thinking about it. They seem 100% improved to the last time I used one and ended up with orange streaks that took a week plus to fade away.

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 10:59pm)

Posted by:
Devilinanewdress
(Australia)

Does anyone happen to know if the Garnier Ambre Solaire Natural Bronzer Velvet-Touch Gel is as good as the Spray version of this product?

Posted on:
October 19, 2011 (Oct 19, 2011 11:02pm)

Posted by:
pinkheart
(Australia)

I love natural ingredients in general and I think it's really great that self tanners are now going natural.

Posted on:
October 20, 2011 (Oct 20, 2011 12:04am)

Posted by:
ibutler
(Australia)

Natural ingredients are super important to me AND I have skin so sensitive anything sets it off - doublr whammy! Thanks for the recommendations. I wonder if St Tropez test on animals...?

Posted on:
October 20, 2011 (Oct 20, 2011 12:29am)

Posted by:
Rola93
(Australia)

I use Dove gradual tan and I love that, I think that natural ingredients are not that important...I really care about them when I use something on my face.

Posted on:
October 20, 2011 (Oct 20, 2011 12:31am)

Posted by:
blackmagic
(Australia)

I don't use a natural self tan but I have been interested in a natural one by Lush. It's called charlottes island. It looks very nice but I've heard mixed reviews so not sure about taht one. I use st moritz tanning foam. I seriously looks and sounds like st tropez. It works really well and doesn't go streaky like so many tans can.

Posted on:
October 20, 2011 (Oct 20, 2011 3:44am)

Posted by:
Tinaaa
(Australia)

i definately do! i love the garnier ambre solaire bronzer, it doesnt make me look orange and it doesnt smell bad :)

Posted on:
October 20, 2011 (Oct 20, 2011 6:42am)

Posted by:
FiFi73
(Member since 2007, Australia)

Oh Yes, being cursed with sensitive skin has caused me a lot of trouble with fake tan over the years!! Thanks for another great article BH.... :)

Posted on:
October 20, 2011 (Oct 20, 2011 7:33am)

Posted by:
Jenniqua
(Australia)

I am really lucky that I dont have sensitive skin, and can use just about any product on my body. I prefer to use natural products for various reasons, but I am not opposed to others.